Within his recently unveiled memoir, titled Ithaki, the former leader Tsipras spares no criticism as he examines that turbulent period during Greece's financial crisis.
An Unconventional Appointment
As per Tsipras's recollections, Tsipras selected the maverick economist Varoufakis to be the finance minister largely due to the latter's global profile and Varoufakis's “extremely attractive” skills when it came to speaker.
“He was, actually, more like a star rather than an economist,” stated Tsipras.
Clashing Priorities
The former leader claims that Varoufakis had his own motives that included promoting Varoufakis's books and testing out his economic models using Greece instead of truly advocating the country's financial survival.
Tsipras noted how the talks to stave off insolvency became “not just a method of achieving improved terms for the country. They were a test, a monumental chance to prove the validity of Varoufakis's theories.”
High-Stakes Negotiations
Amid volatile negotiations, the country came dangerously on the brink of leaving the eurozone.
On the line was not only the country's future and those punishing cutbacks demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.
Failed Options
Efforts to find financing from other sources, such as an urgent plea to the Kremlin to buy Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.
Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to throwing money into the garbage, the Russian leader reportedly informed Tsipras during their meeting.
Public Vote Followed by U-Turn
In July 2015, the harsh conditions were subjected to a popular referendum, a move that plunged Europe into a deeper crisis of identity.
Although the vote was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, Tsipras was forced but to reject its outcome then negotiate a rescue deal from creditors that proved to be even harsher.
Final Straw
The ex-PM revealed how he began to doubt Varoufakis quite early on.
“Varoufakis was the public image of the talks, the man who attracted media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines globally … it seemed he was enjoying his new role.”
After Varoufakis proposed a contingency plan that included establishing a parallel currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, the leader knew it was the end and asked him: “Can you be serious?”
Lasting Criticism
Within the book, Tsipras concludes that his former ally demonstrated himself “unfit for a deal demanding complex and delicate management.”
Tsipras also claimed that his aggressive style left him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while helped hardliners who were advocating Grexit.
The account of history has been met with anger along with shock in some quarters, while Varoufakis has maintained a deafening silence regarding these claims.
